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Using recruitment agencies

What is a recruitment agency?

A Recruitment Agency is a third party that matches employees with suitable employment opportunities. Agencies cater for all types of work, full or part time, temporary or permanent, office or manual work.

Recruitment Agencies can take some of the stress out of job searching, but a little bit of research prior to approaching an agency will pay dividends.

Firstly, identify what type of work you might consider. Next, identify your key or transferable skills and experience. The agency will need to record these.

The next step is to identify a suitable agency or agencies. Some agencies specialise in specific types of work. Browsing job opportunities in agency windows or on the agency web page will be a good indicator of what job opportunities they offer.

Most agencies will require you to have an up to date CV, so preparing this in advance will save you time. Although, be aware that some agencies have their own ‘house style’ for CVs which may not always be the same as advice you have received elsewhere.

Be honest and open with the agencies, this will enable them to closely match you with the most relevant vacancies. Be aware that when you go to register, you may not be seen immediately and may have to make a further appointment to be seen. You will also need to provide some form of identification.

Why use a recruitment agency?

  • Agencies have expert knowledge of local employment and close contact with employers and therefore understand what they are looking for.
  • Some employers hand all of their recruitment over to one particular agency and that is the only route into the organisation.
  • Temporary work may lead to permanent employment.
  • Some agencies provide training, equipment and advice.

The 'legal bit'

In the UK, all recruitment agencies have to comply with the Employment Agencies Act 1973. Under this Act the Agency has a legal obligation to provide you with:

  • A clear understanding of the type of work involved.
  • The terms and conditions under which you will be working including your hours of work and leave entitlement.
  • How much notice is required.
  • How much you will be paid and the method of payment.
  • Agencies must ensure that all employers comply with any necessary Health and Safety legislation and do not ask the employee to undertake any practices that are illegal or that may endanger them.
  • No recruitment agency should charge you to use their services. They usually exist by taking commission for filling vacancies from the company. Some may take a percentage of your first month's wage if they find you a suitable post, but it should be free to register with them.

Hints and tips for using recruitment agencies

  • Spend some time identifying the most appropriate agency for you, some specialise in particular fields of employment, others specialise in graduate opportunities, some agencies offer training. Do not register with the first one you come across, find one that is likely to meet your needs.
  • Be positive and enthusiastic. Creating a good impression with the agency will make it more likely for them to put you forward for posts.
  • Be easy to contact.
  • Create a good relationship with the agency. Only turn down interviews if you do not think the job is for you and explain this to the agency. Be honest about your skills and experience.
  • If you do not hear from the agency, contact them. It demonstrates your willingness and enthusiasm.
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